How-To

How to Pair Apple Pencil with iPad [2025]

May 14, 2025 ⋅ By Lexi Burgess

Learn how to connect your Apple Pencil in a few easy steps 

Whether you’re setting up a new iPad or just unboxing an Apple Pencil, connecting the two should be quick and easy. This guide walks you through how to connect every version of the Apple Pencil; including troubleshooting tips and how to disconnect when needed.

In this guide:

  • Apple Pencil (1st gen)
  • Apple Pencil (2nd gen)
  • Apple Pencil (USB-C)
  • Apple Pencil Pro
  • Troubleshooting tips
  • How to disconnect Apple Pencil
  • Can you connect without plugging in?
Apple Pencil hovering over iPad screen

How to connect Apple Pencil (1st generation)

The original Apple Pencil uses a Lightning connector, so setup involves physically plugging it into your iPad.

Here’s how:

  1. Remove the cap on the back of your Apple Pencil to reveal the Lightning connector.
  2. Plug it directly into your iPad’s Lightning port.
    • If you’re using a 10th-gen iPad (USB-C), you’ll need a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter.
  3. A Bluetooth pairing pop-up will appear on your iPad. Tap Pair.
  4. Once paired, unplug your Apple Pencil. It’s ready to use!

💡 Note: The 1st-gen Apple Pencil only works with iPads that have a Lightning port or support the USB-C adapter. 

Apple Pencil Generation 1 plugged into the iPad
Image from PC Mag

How to connect Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

The 2nd-gen Apple Pencil is easier to pair. It uses magnets and wireless charging, with no cables or connectors needed.

To connect:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth in your iPad’s settings.
  2. Find the flat edge of your Apple Pencil.
  3. Attach it to the magnetic side of your iPad (usually the right edge).
  4. A pairing notification will pop up; just tap Connect.

That’s it! Your Pencil will stay paired and charge wirelessly when attached.

Overhead shot of an iPad on a table with the Apple Pencil Generation 2 connected to the side of the iPad
Image from 9to5 Mac

How to connect Apple Pencil (USB-C)

The USB-C Apple Pencil offers a cap-free, minimal design. It doesn’t plug directly into the iPad and instead uses a USB-C cable to connect and charge.

Here’s how to pair:

  1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  2. Slide open the cover on the back of the Apple Pencil to reveal the USB-C port.
  3. Use the included USB-C cable:
    • Plug one end into your iPad’s USB-C port.
    • Plug the other into the Pencil.
  4. Wait for the pairing prompt on your iPad, then tap Connect.

Once paired, you can unplug it. Your iPad will remember the Pencil unless you restart or unpair it. Once paired, you can unplug the Pencil. It will remain connected via Bluetooth until you restart the iPad or unpair the device manually.

The Apple Pencil USB-C with a USB-C cable plugged into it resting on top of an iPad in a white case. The devices are on blue and white polka-dot fabric
Image from Creative Bloq

How to Connect Apple Pencil Pro to Your iPad

The new Apple Pencil Pro works just like the 2nd-gen model when it comes to connecting; quick, wireless, and cable-free.

To connect your Apple Pencil Pro:

  1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  2. Attach the flat edge of the Pencil Pro to the magnetic side of your iPad.
  3. Tap Connect when the pairing message appears.

Now you’re good to go! Your Pencil Pro will also charge wirelessly. 

iPads and apple pencils laying in a formation on a white background
Image from Apple

Trouble connecting? Try these tips

If your Apple Pencil isn’t connecting, here are a few quick fixes to try:

✅ Charge your Apple Pencil

Low battery is a common issue. Make sure your Pencil is charged before pairing.

✅ Turn on Bluetooth

Double-check that Bluetooth is enabled in your iPad’s Settings.

✅ Check the connectors

Look for visible damage or debris on your Pencil’s connector or the iPad port. Use a flashlight to inspect it, but don’t try to clean or repair anything internally. If you suspect damage, it’s best to visit an Apple Repair Center.

Still having trouble? Check out our guide:
👉 How to Fix an Unresponsive Apple Pencil. 

How to disconnect your Apple Pencil

Need to unpair your Apple Pencil? It’s easy:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Bluetooth.
  3. Find your Apple Pencil under “My Devices.”
  4. Tap the blue ⓘ icon next to it, then select Forget This Device.

You can reconnect your Pencil any time by repeating the original pairing steps. 

Can you connect Apple Pencil without plugging it in?

Yes, if you’re using the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil or the Apple Pencil Pro.

These models connect wirelessly using the magnetic strip on your iPad. Just snap the Pencil to the magnetic edge, and a pairing prompt will appear. No cables or ports required. 

Upgrade your Apple Pencil tip with Rock Paper Pencil

Once your Apple Pencil is connected, you can explore all the brilliant tech that iPads have to offer. If you’ve invested in an Apple Pencil, chances are that you want to take realistic handwritten notes or even create digital art. 

You can use Rock Paper Pencil to enhance your iPad writing/ drawing experience. Rock Paper Pencil combines a ballpoint Apple Pencil tip and a reusable, matte screen protector. Together, they create the most realistic pen-on-paper feeling for iPad.

  • Ditch the slip: On its own, the iPad’s glass screen is a slippery surface that creates an inconsistent drag on your Apple Pencil.
  • Smoother, more precise strokes: Rock Paper Pencil adds subtle friction between your screen and Apple Pencil tip, giving you more control with each stroke output.
Shop Rock Paper Pencil →